1/30/12: Celtics vs. Kings Stat Pack

*Although Chris Wilcox has only played 24 games this season, his true shooting percentage (TS%) of 73.6% still qualifies to lead the NBA in that category. The player in 2^nd place in 2012-13 is Tyson Chandler (69.9%).
–Wilcox is the only Celtic this season to be in the Top 100. His career TS%: 56.5%.
–Wilcox played 2 minutes, 31 seconds on Sunday against the Heat, but did not attempt a shot. That was his first appearance in a game since December 18, 2012.
–The next best Celtics in TS% this season:
(110^th) Jason Terry 54.6% (career TS%: 55.3%)
(115^th) Courtney Lee 54.4% (career TS%: 53.7%)
(116^th) Kevin Garnett 54.3% (career TS%: 54.9%)
(128^th) Paul Pierce 53.7% (career TS%: 56.7%)
(138^th) Jared Sullinger 53.4%

*Over his last 10 games, Jeff Green has a plus/minus of +59.
–It is tied for the 18^th best plus/minus in the NBA over the last 10 games.
–Green played a season-high 41 minutes, 50 seconds on Sunday. Before Sunday, the Celtics had lost all 8 of the games in which Green had played his most minutes.

*When Kevin Garnett scores at least 18 points this season, the Celtics are 9-2.

*The Sacramento Kings are 11-9 this season against the Eastern Conference, the best record of any non-playoff team against the opposing conference.
–The Kings are the only non-playoff team above .500 this season against the opposing conference.

*The Kings are 6-1 this season in games decided for 3 or fewer points.
–Shockingly, they own the best winning percentage (.857) this season in those types of games.

*When the Kings score at least 105 points this season, they are 10-2.
–They are 7-27 otherwise.
–The 118 points that the Kings put on the Celtics on December 30^th was their 3^rd highest points total this season.
–It was also the 3^rd highest point total scored against the Celtics this season.

*Via @ESPNStatsInfo: Over the last four seasons, the Celtics have been +2.9 points per 48 minutes with Rondo on the floor, but +4.4 points with him off the floor.

*Via @ESPNStatsInfo: “Rondo entered Sunday ranked 49^th in PER among players (and 16th among guards) who have played at least 3,000 minutes in the last four seasons. He ranked tied for 54^th overall this season among those with at least 500 minutes played.”

*Via @ESPNStatsInfo: “It’s a small sample, but Garnett was shooting 68 percent from the field on shots inside five feet with Rondo on the floor (56-for-83), but 59 percent (23-for-39) on such shots with Rondo out.”

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Kings
–The last time the Kings swept a season series of at least 2 games against the Celtics was 2006-07.
–Before the Celtics lost their last 2 games to the Kings, they were 8-0 in the Kevin Garnett era against them.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Minutes–
7. Reggie Miller 47,619
8. Gary Peyton 47,117
9. Kevin Garnett 47,116            (Garnett needs 2 to move into 8^th place)

–Most NBA Double-Doubles Since 1990–
1. Tim Duncan 751
T-2. Shaquille O’Neal 727
T-2. Kevin Garnett 727            (Garnett needs 1 to pass O’Neal for 2^nd place)

–All-Time NBA Three-Pointers Made–
5. Chauncey Billups 1,787
6. Peja Stojakovic 1,760
7. Paul Pierce 1,756                        (Pierce needs 5 to move into 6^th place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Blocked Shots–
7. Reggie Lewis 417
8. Cedric Maxwell 378
9. Kevin Garnett 375                        (Garnett needs 4 to move into 8^th place)

1/27/12: Celtics vs. Heat Stat Pack

*For the first time in Rajon Rondo’s career, he has gone for a triple-double in consecutive games.
–The last player to have a triple-double in consecutive games: Andre Iguodala (2011).
–The last player to have a triple-double in 3 straight games: LeBron James (2009).

*Via ESPN Stats & Info: “LeBron James and Dwyane Wade: combined for 184 points their last 3 games; opposing starters have combined for 182 over this stretch.”

*The Celtics’ 3-point shooting percentage has fallen to 27^th in the NBA (33.5%) and their offensive efficiency has fallen to 23^rd in the league (99.8 points/100 possessions).

*On Friday, Kyle Korver tied the NBA record for the most 3-pointers in half with 8 three’s in the second half.
–He tied Tim Thomas, Michael Redd, Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and J.R. Smith (twice).

*The Celtics have played 2 double-OT games this season after playing just 1 regular season double-OT game in previous 5 seasons.

*Courtney Lee had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists on Friday and became only the 2^nd Celtics reserve in the Kevin Garnett era to reach those plateaus in a single game.
–Glen Davis: 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists in 2010.

*The Celtics have lost 6 straight games for the first time since April 2007.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Heat
–The Celtics are a perfect 4-0 against the Heat at TD Garden in the regular season in the LeBron era.
–Including the playoffs, the Celtics are 7-2 against the Heat at TD Garden in the LeBron era.

*Milestone Watch:

–Kevin Garnett is 9 field goals made away from 10,000 for his career–

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
20. Charles Barkley 23,757
21. Paul Pierce 23,398            (Pierce needs 360 to move into 20^th place)
22. Ray Allen 23,384                        (Allen needs 15 to move into 21^st place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Assists–
4. Bill Russell 4,100
5. Paul Pierce 4,099                        (Pierce needs 2 to move into 4^th place)
6. Rajon Rondo 3,943                        (Rondo needs 157 to move into 5^th place)

–Most NBA Double-Doubles Since 1990–
1. Tim Duncan 751
2. Shaquille O’Neal 727
3. Kevin Garnett 726                        (Garnett needs 2 to move into 2^nd place)

–All-Time NBA Three-Pointers Made–
5. Chauncey Billups 1,787
6. Peja Stojakovic 1,760
7. Paul Pierce 1,755                        (Pierce needs 6 to move into 6^th place)

1/25/12: Celtics @ Hawks Stat Pack

*If the Celtics lose on Friday, it will be their first six-game losing streak since April 2007.

*The Celtics are 5-5 on the second night of back-to-backs this season.
–It is better than their 1-5 record on 2 days rest.

*Although the Celtics lost on Thursday, they outscored the Knicks, 50-32, in the paint.

*The Celtics shot 40.8% on Thursday, making it 3 consecutive games that they shot worse than 41% from the field.
–This tied their longest streak of shooting worse than 41% from the field in the Kevin Garnett era (including the playoffs).

*Last night was Rajon Rondo’s 27^th career triple-double, including the playoffs.
–The Celtics are now 23-4 in those games, but 2-3 in their last 5 such games (21-1 in first 22 such games).

*After shooting 51% from the field & 41% from 3PT in October/November 2012, Jason Terry has a 37% field goal percentage & 32% three-point percentage since.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Hawks
–After winning their first 3 games at Philips Arena in the Kevin Garnett era, the Celtics have lost 4 of their last 7 there.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
20. Charles Barkley 23,757
21. Paul Pierce 23,386
22. Ray Allen 23,373                        (Allen needs 14 to move into 21^st place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Assists–
4. Bill Russell 4,100
5. Paul Pierce 4,095                        (Pierce needs 6 to move into 4^th place)
6. Rajon Rondo 3,932                        (Rondo needs 164 to move into 5^th place)

–All-Time NBA Three-Pointers Made–
5. Chauncey Billups 1,787
6. Peja Stojakovic 1,760
7. Paul Pierce 1,755                        (Pierce needs 6 to move into 6^th place)

1/24/12: Celtics vs. Knicks Stat Pack

*Through 41 games this season, the Celtics have lost 4 consecutive games for the 2^nd time this season.
–In 2011-12, the Celtics had 2 losing streaks of at least 4 games (both 5-game losing streaks).
–From 2007-08 to 2010-11 (328 combined regular season games), the Celtics had only ONE losing streak of at least 4 games).

*Kevin Garnett may finish with his worst season plus/minus in a while.
–2012-13: +14 (41 games played)
–2011-12: +269 (60)
–2010-11: +551 (71)
–2009-10: +310 (69)
–2008-09: +473 (57)
–2007-08: +737 (71)
–2006-07: +9 (76) – his lowest plus/minus since 2000-01
–2005-06: +40 (76)
–2004-05: +144 (82)
–2003-04: +614 (82)
–2002-03: +422 (82)
–2001-02: +358 (81)
–2000-01: +204 (81)

*The Celtics’ four-game losing streak is tied with the Lakers for the longest current losing streak in the NBA.

*The New York Knicks have lost 6 of their last 10 games, which is the worst record over that span among the top 10 winning percentage teams in the league.

*Raymond Felton’s absence from this game will also help the Celtics.
–The Knicks have posted a 20-8 record in his 28 games started this season, but a pinkie injury has forced him to miss the last 11 contests.
–The Knicks have lost six of those games, including January 7th at Madison Square Garden against the Celtics, and are shooting worse from the field and three-point without Felton playing.

*The Celtics and Knicks have had a similar strength of schedule this season and the Celtics find themselves 6 games behind the Knicks.
–Celtics: 16^th toughest schedule (.497)
–Knicks: tied for 18^th toughest schedule (.495)

*Via @HPbasketball: “According to Synergy, when Bradley was guarding Irving, only as primary defender no his actual shot attempt, Irving scored 6 points.”

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Knicks
–The Celtics are a perfect 12-0 against the Knicks at TD Garden since 2007-08 (including the playoffs).
–The Celtics’ last home loss to the Knicks: November 24, 2006. Knicks’ starting lineup that night: Quentin Richardson, Steve Francis, Eddy Curry, Channing Frye and Stephon Marbury. Celtics’ starting lineup that night: Paul Pierce, Sebastian Telfair, Wally Szczerbiak, Ryan Gomes and Kendrick Perkins.
–The Celtics are 21-4 overall against the Knicks since 2007-08 (including playoffs).

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
12. Elvin Hayes 1,303
T-13. Mark Jackson 1,296
T-13. Kevin Garnett 1,296            (Garnett moves into 13^th place by playing Thursday)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
20. Charles Barkley 23,757
21. Ray Allen 23,373
22. Paul Pierce 23,364            (Pierce needs 10 to move into 21^st place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Assists–
4. Bill Russell 4,100
5. Paul Pierce 4,093                        (Pierce needs 8 to move into 4^th place)
6. Rajon Rondo 3,921                        (Rondo needs 173 to move into 5^th place)

1/22/12: Celtics @ Cavaliers Stat Pack

*The Celtics have the Eastern Conference’s longest current losing streak (3 games).
–It is also tied for the NBA’s 2^nd-longest current losing streak.

*The Celtics are exactly 20-20 to start a season for the first time since 2003-04.
–Only once in Celtics franchise history have they finished with the same number of wins and losses (36-36 in 1954-55).

*The Cavaliers have had a better field goal percentage than their opponent in only 8 games this season. They are 6-2 in those games (4-30 otherwise).
–The Celtics are 17-4 in games that they have the better field goal percentage (3-16 otherwise).

*Without Anderson Varejao on the court, the Cavaliers have a much worse rebounding percentage (46.9%) than when he is on the court (52.8%) this season.
–If you take out Varejao’s rebounding, the Cavaliers have the worse rebounding percentage in the NBA.
–Coming into Tuesday, the Cavaliers have been outrebounded in their last 7 games, tied for the 3^rd-longest streak for any team this season.
–The Celtics are 10-3 this season when either outrebounding their opponent or having the same number of rebounds.

*On most nights, the Celtics need Paul Pierce to provide decent scoring for them to win.
–During the Celtics’ current losing streak, Pierce has a .349 FG%, .091 3P% and 11.7 PPG.
–During the Celtics’ 6-game winning streak, Pierce had a .455 FG%, .368 3P% and 18.5 PPG.
–The Celtics are 10-4 when he scores at least 23 points this season (otherwise: 10-16).

*On Friday, Rajon Rondo tied his career-high with 9 turnovers (January 6, 2009 at Charlotte).

*The Celtics have attempted fewer free throws than their opponent in their last 11 games, which is now the longest streak for any team this season.
–This Celtics’ 11-game streak is the franchise’s longest since 1999 (14 games).
–The longest streak in the last 25 seasons is by Detroit Pistons: 21 games.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Cavaliers
–In the post-LeBron era, Boston is 5-2 in those meetings.
–Cleveland has not scored more than 95 points in any of those 7 games.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
12. Elvin Hayes 1,303
13. Mark Jackson 1,296
14. Kevin Garnett 1,295            (Garnett ties for 13^th place by playing Tuesday)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
20. Charles Barkley 23,757
21. Ray Allen 23,355
22. Paul Pierce 23,352            (Pierce needs 4 to move into 21^st place)

1/20/12: Celtics @ Pistons Stat Pack

*The Celtics have attempted fewer free throws than their opponent in their last 10 games, which is tied for the longest streak for any team this season (Raptors: 10 games from December 3 to 19, 2012).
–This Celtics’ 10-game streak is the franchise’s longest since 1999 (14 games).

*The Celtics have made more field goals than their opponent in their last 8 games, which is tied for the longest current streak in the NBA (Clippers). It is also tied for the 3^rd-longest streak for any team this season.
–This Celtics’ 8-game streak is the franchise’s longest since 2010 (14 games).

*When the Celtics last faced the Detroit Pistons (November 18, 2012), the Celtics had their season-low assist total (12).
–The Celtics’ 15 assists on Friday against the Bulls were their 3^rd-fewest in a game this season. They had just 11 assists in regulation, which would have been the team’s season-low (via Jessica Camerato).

*The Pistons are 8-0 this season when holding opponents to fewer than 88 points.
–When they give up at least 88 points in 2012-13, they are 6-25.
–When they give up at least 102 points, they are 0-14.

*The Pistons have played the 3^rd-easiest schedule in 2012-13 and only have 14 wins.

*After losing on Friday, the Celtics are now on a 2-game home losing streak, tying their longest this season.
–The Celtics’ last home losing streak of more than 2 games: January 6 to 16, 2012 (4 games).

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Pistons
–Since 2007-08, Boston is 11-7 in those meetings.
–The Celtics’ 2 worst scoring outputs against the Pistons since 2007-08 have come in their last 2 meetings (both losses – Celtics had 81 points on February 19, 2012 and 83 points on November 18, 2012)

*Milestone Watch:

–Celtics History: All-Time Steals–
1. Larry Bird 1,556
2. Paul Pierce 1,555                        (Pierce needs 2 to move into 1^st place)
3. Rajon Rondo 906

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
20. Charles Barkley 23,757
21. Ray Allen 23,355
22. Paul Pierce 23,342            (Pierce needs 14 to move into 21^st place)

1/18/12: Celtics vs. Bulls Stat Pack

*Recently, Kevin Garnett’s 2012-13 single-player plus/minus has fell drastically.
–First 21 games of 2012-13: KG +99
–Last 17 games this season: KG -70

*The Celtics and Bulls have been 2 of the hottest teams since we turned the page to 2013.
–They are 2 of 9 teams to have won at least 6 games thus far in 2013.

*Even after losing Wednesday’s game, the Celtics already have more wins in January (6-2 record) than they did in all of December (5-9 record).
–The Celtics need just 3 more wins to match their win total from November (9-6 record).

*The Bulls have the 3^rd best point differential (+2.2) among Eastern Conference teams.
–The Celtics are 1 of only 3 current playoff teams with a negative point differential.

*The Bulls are 5-0 in Friday games this season.

*Since leaving the Celtics to coach the Bulls, Tom Thibodeau is 6-4 against Boston.
–Since 2010-11, the Celtics are 3-0 against the Bulls when the Celtics score at least 100 points.
–Since 2010-11, the Celtics are 3-0 in meetings in which they shot at least 50% from the field.
–Celtics FG% against the Bulls since 2010-11 (from best to worst): 53% (Celtics W), 51% (W), 51% (W), 49% (W), 43% (L), 43% (L), 41% (L), 40% (L), 38% (L) and 38% (L).

*The Bulls have won their last 4 road games, tied for their longest road winning streak of 2012-13.

*The Celtics are 2-7 this season when being outrebounded by at least 10.
–They are 6-11 this season when being outrebounded by at least 5.
–They are 14-7 when outrebounding their opponent or being outrebounded by 5 or fewer.

*After Wednesday’s loss, the Celtics are 24-9 since 2007-08 (including the playoffs) when Paul Pierce has double-digit rebounds.

*The Celtics had some extremely bad free throw shooting and 3-point shooting on Wednesday.
–It was their worst 3-point shooting performance (4 for 18, 22%) of the season in regulation when attempting at least 18 threes.
–It was the first time since 1994 (!!!) that the Celtics shot 37.5% or worse from the free throw line in a single game.

*The Celtics now have a better field goal percentage than their opponent in 7 consecutive games, which is the team’s longest streak this season.
–The Celtics are 17-4 this season when they have a better field goal percentage.
–The Bulls are 18-1 this season when they have a better field goal percentage.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Bulls
–Since 2007-08, the Boston is 12-9 against the Bulls.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Field Goals Made–
10. John Havlicek 10,513
11. Dominique Wilkins 9,963
12. Kevin Garnett 9,962            (Garnett needs 2 to move into 11^th place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
21. Ray Allen 23,355
22. Robert Parish 23,334
23. Paul Pierce 23,329            (Pierce needs 6 to move into 22^nd place)

–Celtics History: All-Time Steals–
1. Larry Bird 1,556
2. Paul Pierce 1,554                        (Pierce needs 3 to move into 1^st place)
3. Rajon Rondo 904

1/16/12: Celtics vs. Hornets Stat Pack

*Monday’s 4-offensive rebound performance by Kevin Garnett on Monday was his first since Game 6 of the Atlanta Hawks series in the 2012 playoffs.
–The Celtics are 8-1 in the last 9 games that Garnett has had at least 4 offensive rebounds (including the playoffs).

*The New Orleans Hornets have had strength of schedule of .529 thus far this season.
–That is the toughest schedule for any team.

*The Celtics are 10-6 on 1 day of rest this season.
–The Hornets are 3-7 on the 2^nd day of back-to-backs this season.

*The Celtics have had a better field goal percentage than their opponent in 6 consecutive games (all victories), which is now the team’s longest streak this season.
–The Celtics have a 17-3 record this season when they have a better field goal percentage.
–When the Hornets have a lower field goal percentage than their opponent this season, they are 2-21.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Hornets
–Since 2007-08, the Boston is 5-4 against the Hornets.
–The Celtics have lost 3 of the last 4 meetings.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
15. Jerry West 25,192
16. Patrick Ewing 24,815
17. Kevin Garnett 24,809            (Garnett needs 7 to move into 16^th place)

–All-Time NBA Field Goals Made–
10. John Havlicek 10,513
11. Dominique Wilkins 9,963
12. Kevin Garnett 9,955            (Garnett needs 9 to move into 11^th place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
21. Ray Allen 23,336
22. Robert Parish 23,334
23. Paul Pierce 23,317            (Pierce needs 18 to move into 22^nd place)

1/14/12: Celtics vs. Bobcats Stat Pack

*After beginning the season 7-5, the Charlotte Bobcats have been 2-22 since.

*The Bobcats have the league’s 2^nd worst defensive efficiency (108.3) and the worst points per game allowed (103.6).

*The Bobcats are 4-0 this season when holding opponents under 90 points (5-27 otherwise).
–3 of those games happened before November 15^th.

*Jared Sullinger has been a huge part of the Celtics’ success this season and could be the first player since Al Jefferson and Leon Powe in 2006-07 to play a full season in Boston and finish in the top 20 in rebounding rate.
–19^th in rebounding rate this season: Larry Sanders 18.4
–20^th: Jared Sullinger 18.3
–21^st: Carlos Boozer 18.1

*Courtney Lee is shooting exactly 50% from the field and 50% from three-point in his last 9 games combined. He has scored at least 12 points in 4 of those games.
–Over that 9-game span, Lee is averaging 8.7 points per game after having just 6.3 points per game and 28% three-point shooting in his first 27 games.
–Lee is 1 of 7 players with at least 40% three-point shooting in both 2010-11 and 2011-12 (minimum 150 three-point attempts).

*The Celtics’ free throw defense is the best in the NBA this season. It is obviously random that they are leading the league in this statistic, but it is sure to fun to think about. You can see it does not predicate on a team’s actual defense, especially since the Bobcats are 3^rd.
–1^st: Celtics 71.7%
–2^nd: Lakers 72.6%
–3^rd: Bobcats 73.2%

*The Celtics have yet to win a game on 2 days rest this season (0-5).

*The Celtics have had a better field goal percentage than their opponent in 5 consecutive games (all victories), which is tied for the team’s longest streak this season.
–The Celtics have a 16-3 record this season when they have a better field goal percentage.

*The Celtics have not won 6 consecutive games since 2010.
–Their last streak of at least 6 wins: November 22 to December 22, 2010 (14-game winning streak).
–The longest winning streak in the Eastern Conference this season is 6 games – done by the Nets (current one), Heat, Knicks and Hawks.

*The Celtics are a perfect 2-0 on Mondays this season.
–It is the only day this season that they are undefeated.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Bobcats
–Since 2007-08, the Boston is 13-4 against Charlotte.

*Around the NBA:

–After starting 16-9 for the 3^rd straight season, the Atlanta Hawks are now 21-15 for the 2^nd straight one (4^th best East record in 2011-12).

–The Phoenix Suns beat the Bulls in Chicago by more than 15 points for only the 3^rd time in the last 30 years and for the 1^st time since November 2004.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
15. Jerry West 25,192
16. Patrick Ewing 24,815
17. Kevin Garnett 24,802            (Garnett needs 14 to move into 16^th place)

–All-Time NBA Field Goals Made–
10. John Havlicek 10,513
11. Dominique Wilkins 9,963
12. Kevin Garnett 9,953            (Garnett needs 11 to move into 11^th place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
21. Robert Parish 23,334
22. Ray Allen 23,326
23. Paul Pierce 23,298            (Pierce needs 29 to move into 22^nd place)

1/11/12: Celtics vs. Rockets Stat Pack

*The Houston Rockets play at the fastest pace in the league.
–1^st: Rockets (99.5 possessions per game)
–2^nd: Lakers (97.3)
–20^th: Celtics (93.4)

*The fast pace has been working for the Rockets in addition to having James Harden and Jeremy Lin switch off dominating the ball.
–Their offensive efficiency this season is 7^th best in the league (105.4 points per 100 possessions).
–The Celtics are 19^th overall (100.5).

*After beginning the season with an 11-12 record, the Rockets have gone 10-3 since.

*Coming into Friday, James Harden has at least 25 points in 14 consecutive games, both the longest streak in Rockets history and the longest streak of Harden’s career.
–Before this season, Harden had never had scored 25 points in 2 straight games.

*Scoring usually means success for the 2012-13 Rockets. When they score at least 100 points in regulation games this season, they are 17-4.
–One of those 17 wins was their 101-89 victory over the Celtics on December 14^th.
–The Celtics are 13-2 this season when holding opponents to fewer than 95 points.

*The Rockets have a 14-2 record against the Eastern Conference this season.
–Although they have not played a lot of games against their own conference, the Rockets still have had the 5^th toughest schedule thus far in 2012-13.
–The Celtics are 12-10 against the Eastern Conference and have had the 10^th toughest schedule.

*Carlos Delfino is tied for the 19^th best single player plus/minus this season at +182.
–It is very odd to see such an inconsistent bench player this high in plus/minus, but it is definitely impressive.

*The Celtics have not won 5 consecutive games since last season.
–Their last streak of at least 5 wins: March 25 to April 1, 2012 (5-game winning streak).
–Their last streak of more than 5 wins: November 22 to December 22, 2010 (14-game winning streak).

*The Celtics have had fewer turnovers than their opponent in their last 7 games.
–This 7-game streak is the longest current one in the league.
–It is also the longest regular season streak for the Celtics since November 2010 (also 7 games).
–The last time the Celtics had a regular season streak of this sort of more than 7 games: January 2003 (8 games).
–When the Celtics commit fewer turnovers than their opponents, they have a 14-8 record this season (otherwise: 4-9).

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Rockets
–Since 2007-08: after winning the first 4 of 5 meetings against the Rockets, the Celtics have lost their last 4 of 5 meetings against the Rockets.

1/9/12: Celtics vs. Suns Stat Pack

*The Phoenix Suns have lost their last 10 road games.
–Their 10-game road losing streak is the longest active one in the league.
–The longest road losing streak during the 2012-13 NBA season belongs to the Toronto Raptors (11 games: November 17 to December 10).

*The Suns are 0-7 on the 2^nd night of back-to-backs this season.
–They are averaging just 88.4 points per game and 106.3 points allowed in those 7 games.

*Since winning a season-high 4 in a row, the Suns have lost 9 of their last 10 games.

*The Celtics have not won 4 consecutive games since last season.
–Their last streak of at least 4 wins: April 7-11, 2012.

*The Celtics have had fewer turnovers than their opponent in their last 6 games.
–This 6-game streak is the longest current one in the league.
–It is also the longest streak for the Celtics this season. The last time the Celtics had a streak of this sort of at least 6 games: November 2010 (7 games).
–When the Celtics commit fewer turnovers than their opponents, they have a 13-8 record this season (otherwise: 4-9).

*The Celtics have yet to beat a team from the Pacific Division in 2012-13.
–They are 0-3 this season.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Suns
–The Celtics have lost 4 of their last 5 games against the Suns.
–The Celtics are 4-5 against the Suns since 2007-08.
–The Celtics have scored at least 100 points in each of their 4 victories.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Minutes–
29. Mark Jackson 39,121
30. Walt Bellamy 38,940
31. Paul Pierce 38,926            (Pierce needs 15 to move into 30^th place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
21. Robert Parish 23,334
22. Ray Allen 23,301
23. Paul Pierce 23,268            (Pierce needs 34 to move into 22^nd place)

–All-Time NBA Points Scored–
15. Jerry West 25,192
16. Patrick Ewing 24,815
17. Kevin Garnett 24,775            (Garnett needs 41 to move into 16^th place)

1/7/12: Celtics @ Knicks Stat Pack

*The New York Knicks are on pace to become the first team in NBA history to finish with more three-pointers made than turnovers committed in a single season.
–Coming into tonight, they have 374 made three-pointers and 362 turnovers.

*In the Knicks’ first 23 games this season (team record: 18-5), they made at least 10 three-pointers 17 times (74% of those games).
–In their last 10 games (team record: 5-5), they made at least 10 three-pointers only 5 times (50% of those games).
–Overall, the Knicks are 18-4 (.818) in games this season that they made at least 10 three-pointers.
–The Celtics are giving up a .371 three-point percentage to opponents this season, the 6^th worst in the NBA.
–The Celtics are 1-6 in regulation games this season in which they have given up at least 10 three-pointers. The only such victory was Saturday against the Hawks.

*After a strong defensive start to the 2012-13 season, the Knicks have fallen back to the pack. They now are tied for the 16^th-best defensive efficiency (102.9 points allowed per 100 possessions).
–In their first 23 games of the season, they gave up at least 100 points only 8 times (35% of those games).
–In their last 10 games, they have given up at least 100 points 6 times (60% of those games).

*The Celtics have not won 3 consecutive games since they had their season-long 3-game winning streak almost 2 months ago.
–Their last streak of at least 3 wins: November 10-14, 2012.

*Impressively, Jared Sullinger has tied Kevin Garnett for the team lead in single-player plus/minus this season at +35.
–3^rd best on the Celtics: Jason Terry +10
–4^th best: Avery Bradley +5
–5^th best: Paul Pierce +1

*Since 2007-08…(Celtics vs. Knicks)
–The Celtics’ 20 combined regular season and postseason victories over the Knicks since 2007-08 are tied for the 2^nd-most for the Celtics against any team (1^st: Heat, 24 … T-2^nd: Hawks, 20).
–The Celtics’ 16 regular season victories over the Knicks since 2007-08 are tied for the 3^rd most for the Celtics against any team (1^st: Nets, 18 … 2^nd: Raptors, 17 … T-3^rd: Heat, 16).

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Minutes–
29. Mark Jackson 39,121
30. Walt Bellamy 38,940
31. Paul Pierce 38,898            (Pierce needs 43 to move into 30^th place)

More on the Celtics' Incredible 33-9 Third Quarter Against the Hawks

 

I combed through a few hundred box scores and found some interesting stuff regarding the Celtics’ 33-9 third quarter against the Hawks at Philips Arena on Saturday.

I’m close to 99% sure about this information, but since I didn’t go through every single box score, I can’t be 100% confident.

-The last time a team outscored its opponent by at least 24 points in a quarter: November 26, 2012 (Second Quarter: Oklahoma City Thunder 36, Charlotte Bobcats 12) - http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/201211260OKC.html (Final Score: Thunder 114, Bobcats 69)

-The last time a team scored at least 33 points in a quarter while holding its opponent to 9 points or fewer: January 9, 2004 (First Quarter: Los Angeles Lakers 34, Atlanta Hawks 7) - http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200401090LAL.html (Final Score: Lakers 113, Hawks 67)

-The last time the Celtics outscored their opponent by at least 24 points in a quarter: November 28, 2000 (Second Quarter: Boston Celtics 29, Cleveland Cavaliers 4) - http://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200011280CLE.html (Final Score: Celtics 87, Cavaliers 72)

-As far as I can tell, that was the first time in Celtics franchise history that the Celtics scored at least 33 points in a quarter while holding their opponent to 9 points or fewer.

For more Celtics coverage, follow Adam Lowenstein on Twitter: @StatsAdam

1/5/12: Celtics @ Hawks Stat Pack

   

*The Atlanta Hawks are an impressive 7-1 this season when playing on the 2^nd night of a back-to-back.

--The Celtics are only 4-5 on no rest in 2012-13.

*This 15-17 Boston Celtics record through their first 32 regular season games sure looks familiar. Well, it is the exact same way they began the 2011-12 season before reeling off 24 wins in their final 34 games.

*The Celtics have not won 2 consecutive games in almost a month.

--Their last streak of at least 2 wins: December 8-12, 2012.

*On Friday, Doc Rivers decided to bring back his most successful 2011-12 starting lineup – Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Paul Pierce, Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett

--This five-man unit was one of the top ten plus/minus ones in the league last season.

--With that starting lineup, the Celtics went 11-3 (.786) in the 2011-12 regular season.

*The Celtics are 7-1 this season when Sullinger grabs at least 6 defensive rebounds.

*Rondo’s 64% field goal shooting Friday was tied for his best of the season with a minimum of 10 attempts.

*The Hawks have succeeded when Jeff Teague has scored well.

--When he puts up more than 10 points, the Hawks have a 16-5 record this season (otherwise: 4-6).

*Since 2007-08…(Celtics vs. Hawks)

--Since the Celtics won the first 7 regular season games against the Hawks, the Celtics have been victorious in only 4 of their last 10 regular season meetings.

*The Hawks are not a very good rebounding team, but when they outrebound opponents this season, they are 12-1.

--The Celtics are 5-2 when outrebounding teams in 2012-13.

--When the Celtics have outrebounded the Hawks in the regular season (9 of the 17 meetings), the Celtics have been 8-1.

--When the Hawks have outrebounded the Celtics in the regular season (8 of the 17 meetings), the Hawks have been 5-3.

*Milestone Watch:

--All-Time NBA Minutes--

29. Mark Jackson 39,121

30. Walt Bellamy 38,940

31. Paul Pierce 38,862            (Pierce needs 79 to move into 30^th place)

1/4/12: Celtics vs. Pacers Stat Pack

*The Celtics are currently on a season-worst 4-game losing streak.
–Their last losing streak of 5 or more games: February 2012.
–Their longest losing streak since 2007-08: 5 games.

*It is laughable how people overact to the Celtics’ rebounding numbers on the surface. Rebounding is not the problem for the 2012-13 Celtics.
–The Celtics’ 38.1 rebounds per game are the worst in the league, but that doesn’t matter.
–People do not understand that the Celtics’ pace is tied for the 11^th slowest in the league.
–The Celtics’ 74.2% defensive rebounding percentage ranks as the 7^th-highest in the league.
–This is an improvement from the Celtics’ 72.4% defensive rebounding percentage in 2011-12 (ranked 20^th in the league).

*The reason why the Indiana Pacers have turned around their season: Paul George. The Indiana Pacers are 5-0 this season when Paul George scores at least 25 points.
–George is the Pacers’ 2^nd-best points per game scorer at 16.9 (1^st: David West 17.2).
–Since scoring zero points in Golden State (103-92 Pacers loss) on December 1^st, George has scored at least 10 points in each of his last 15 games, his longest streak of his career.
–George’s per game averages in his last 15 games (Pacers record: 11-4): 38.2 minutes, 20.7 points, 47.3 FG%, 41.0 3P%, 4.1 FTA, 85.5 FT%, 8.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists.
–George’s per game averages in his first 17 games of the season (Pacers record: 8-9): 34.7 minutes, 13.5 points, 38.5 FG%, 36.7 3P%, 1.9 FTA, 78.8 FT%, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists.

*The Celtics have lost their last 4 games by double digits. This is the first time they have done this since December 2006.
–The Celtics have never lost 5 consecutive games by at least 10 points in franchise history.

*Here’s a fun random statistic about the Celtics being lucky this season in one area.
–The Celtics’ opponent free throw percentage is 73.2% this season, the 3^rd-worst against any team this season.
–The Pacers have not been as fortunate. Pacers’ opponents are shooting 77.6%, the 6^th-best against any team in 2012-13.

*Since 2007-08…(Celtics vs. Pacers)
–The Celtics have won 8 of the 9 meetings played at the TD Garden (only loss: 87-74 on January 6, 2012).
–The Celtics are 13-5 overall.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
13. Mark Jackson 1,296
T-14. Sam Perkins 1,286
T-14. Kevin Garnett 1,286            (Garnett moves into sole possession 14^th place Friday)

1/2/12: Celtics vs. Grizzlies Stat Pack

*The 2012-13 Boston Celtics have yet to win a game this season on 2 days of rest.
–Celtics record on zero days of rest: 4-5 (.444).
–On 1 day of rest: 6-6 (.500).
–On 2 days of rest: 0-4 (.000).
–On at least 3 days of rest (excluding opening night vs. Miami): 4-0 (1.000).

*The Celtics are nearly unbeatable at home when Avery Bradley plays at least 10 minutes. The Celtics are extremely awful without Bradley on the road.
–Since the beginning of the 2011-12 season, the Celtics’ home regular season record when Bradley plays at least 10 minutes: 20-4 (.833).
–Their road regular season record when Bradley plays less than 10 minutes or not at all: 6-18 (.250).

*The Celtics regular season records with and without Bradley are also staggering.
–Regular season with Bradley starting: 20-8 (.714).
–Regular season record with Bradley playing at least 10 minutes: 34-15 (.694).
–Regular season without Bradley playing 10 minutes: 19-28 (.404).

*While the Celtics are 3-7 in their last 10 games and 2-8 in their last 10 road games, they are 7-3 in their last 10 home games.
–After beginning the season 14-3, the Grizzlies are only 5-6 in their last 11 games (2-5 in their last 7 road games).

*The Grizzlies have had a lower field goal percentage than their opponent in each of their last 5 games (record in those games: 2-3).
–It is their longest such streak since the beginning of the 2010-11 season.
–The 2012-13 Grizzlies are 12-2 this season when having a better field goal percentage (7-7 otherwise).
–The 2012-13 Celtics are 11-3 this season when having a better field goal percentage (3-13 otherwise).

*Since 2007-08…(Celtics vs. Grizzlies)
–The Celtics won the first 5 meetings.
–Since then, the Celtics have split the last 4 meetings with the Grizzles. Both of those losses came at the TD Garden.
–The Celtics are 3-2 in meetings at the TD Garden and 4-0 in meetings at FedEx Forum.

*The Celtics this season are starting to become a foregone conclusion at the end of the 3^rd Quarter.
–They are 12-2 when leading at the end of the 3^rd Quarter.
–They are 2-14 when trailing or tied at the end of the 3^rd Quarter.

*The Celtics are 10-1 when holding opponents to fewer than 95 points this season.

*In the New Big Three Era, the Celtics have a 23-16 regular season record without Rajon Rondo playing.
–2012-13 … 1-3
–2011-12 … 8-5
–2010-11 … 9-5
–2009-10 … 1-0
–2008-09 … 0-2
–2007-08 … 4-1

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Regular Season Games Played–
13. Mark Jackson 1,296
14. Sam Perkins 1,286
15. Kevin Garnett 1,285            (Garnett ties for 14^th place by playing Wednesday)

Amar'e Stoudemire Will Reportedly Play Tuesday And Come Off The Bench

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, Amar'e Stoudemire will return for his first game of the 2012-13 season on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. After having knee surgery during the preseason, Stoudemire will come off the bench no matter what Carmelo Anthony’s status is for the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources.

Interestingly, the New York Knicks have performed extremely well in Stoudemire’s absence. Since the beginning of the 2011-12 NBA season, the Knicks have had a 22-25 (.468) regular season record when Stoudemire has played. When he has not, they have been 35-14 (.714).

However, Stoudemire started all 47 games that he played in last season. If he indeed comes off the bench on Tuesday, it would be the first time he has done so since November 4, 2006 as a member of the Phoenix Suns. It would break his streak of starting 417 consecutive regular season games that he has played. Maybe his bench role is the key to the Knicks’ further success, or they could just flounder like they have when he has played in the past.